Chaetodon lineolatus Cuvier, 1831

Size

Lined butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus Cuvier, 1831) may grow up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) long. Among species of the genus Chaetodon, only the saddle butterflyfish (C. ephippium) reaches the same maximum size, making lined butterflyfish about as large as a dinner plate.

Body Coloration

Their bodies are white, marked with thin black vertical bars that join a thick black band at the base of the tail and dorsal fin. The tail, dorsal, and anal fins are yellow.

Distribution Range

This species occurs along the east coast of Africa, including the Red Sea and Mozambique Channel; across Northern Australia, including the Coral Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria, and Timor Sea; and throughout the West Indo-Pacific, including the Java Sea, South China Sea, Philippine Sea, and Celebes Sea.

Social Grouping

This uncommon fish is found swimming alone, in pairs, or occasionally in spawning aggregations.

Habitat

It inhabits coral-rich areas of reefs and lagoons at depths between 2 and 50 metres.

Diet

The diet of lined butterflyfish consists of coral polyps, small anemones, algae, and invertebrates.

Territoriality

The species is known to be territorial, and this territorial behavior is linked to its highly specific feeding habits that are tied to particular areas.

Lifespan

Lined butterflyfish can live up to ten years of age.

Spawning Timing

Very little is known about spawning across butterflyfish as a group, but it is believed that lined butterflyfish spawn near their feeding habitats during the new moon.

Mating System

Lined butterflyfish form lifelong monogamous mating relationships, though males may choose to either stay with their existing mate or leave to find a new mate, a behavior that appears to maximize their fecundity.

Pair Social Behavior

Lined butterflyfish are social mates, meaning they spend time with their partner outside of spawning, and often live together in the same habitat.

Parental Care

The species shows little to no parental care for its young.